Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has responded to his critics after being recalled to Nigeria’s squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Nwabali shared a video on his Instagram Story on Tuesday featuring his penalty saves against Egypt stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush during Nigeria’s third-place play-off victory at AFCON 2025.
The Chippa United goalkeeper captioned the video: “I’m back, it’s time to keep crying 😂.”
Nwabali played a key role as Nigeria defeated Egypt 4-2 on penalties to secure the bronze medal, saving spot-kicks from Salah and Marmoush. His performance earned him the Man of the Match award.
However, his international prospects changed after he left Chippa United in February 2026 in search of a new club.
The expected transfer failed to materialise, leaving Nwabali without regular competitive football and resulting in his omission from subsequent Super Eagles squads.
Maduka Okoye subsequently took over as Nigeria’s goalkeeper, while Arthur Okonkwo also entered the competition for the position after receiving his first senior call-up following FIFA’s approval of his switch of international allegiance.
Okonkwo impressed at the 2026 Unity Cup, keeping clean sheets in Nigeria’s wins over Zimbabwe and Jamaica.
Nwabali’s route back into the national team began in July when Chippa United confirmed his return to the club, five months after his departure. The South African side said the goalkeeper had “taken time away” before returning to the Eastern Cape.
He marked his competitive comeback against Golden Arrows with six saves and a clean sheet, earning another Man of the Match award.
Nwabali has maintained his place in Chippa United’s starting line-up, including a six-save performance in the club’s 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns on September 12.
His return to regular club football subsequently led to his recall by Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, who named him alongside Okoye and Okonkwo for Nigeria’s September AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria will host Madagascar in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Guinea-Bissau to face the hosts four days later.